Here are 20 tips that will help you look slim and trim on your wedding day and beyond.

1. Track your food. That means all of it, from the spoonful of soup you sampled for your reception menu to the little bites of cake you taste. These "hidden" calories are easy to gloss over but can really add up. Plus, research shows that the simple act of tracking your food can help you lose twice as much weight than if you don't track at all (mental tracking does not count). If you do nothing else during the final days and weeks before your wedding, track your food diligently every day.

2. Sample smart. A continuation of tip #1, if you know you're going to be sampling a variety of foods in a short period of time, keep the portions small. Just one or two bites of cake or your caterer's signature fish dish should be sufficient for taste testing. And if you know you're going to sample a variety of sweets one day, cut back on sugary foods for the next few days to get back on track. Decide which foods you'll have (and how much) and use SparkPeople's free Nutrition Tracker to stay within your calorie range.

3. Eat breakfast. Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare and it sets the stage for your day. Eat a healthful breakfast to get your metabolism fired up, and then you'll be more likely to make healthy choices throughout the day—like ordering a smart lunch and swinging by the gym after work. Even better: Eating breakfast can help you lose weight, as studies have shown breakfast eaters tend to consume fewer total calories during the day than people who don't eat a morning meal.

4. Make fitness a priority. I like to remind people that food is only one part of the equation that determines whether you'll lose or gain weight. Fitness is just as important. Don't let your workouts go by the wayside. If anything, you should be trying to work out more than before if you really want to drop a few pounds, especially around the days that you're sampling all of that rich and delicious food. With a hectic schedule, how will you fit it in? That's what this next tip is for.

5. Treat your workouts like an appointment. You wouldn't miss your cake tasting, pre-marriage counseling session or dress fitting, would you? Add your workouts to your calendar so that other obligations don't get in the way of your gym time. When meeting to discuss plans with your fiancé, parents, bridal party or wedding planner, head out for a walk (or pace around the room if you're on the phone) for a little multitasking. And when your bridal party wants to schedule your bachelorette party, tell them you'll be there, but not until after Pilates class lets out.

6. Get support. It can be tough to stay strong and accountable to your goals if you don't have anyone else cheering you on. It can be even more difficult to do so when people are trying to sabotage your efforts, perhaps unknowingly. The best way to get support is to tell someone—anyone—about your weight and fitness goals and ask for their support. If you feel too uncomfortable to share those details with someone you know, the SparkPeople community is great for that. You can connect with people who have similar goals and get tips, motivation and your own personal cheerleading squad. Be sure to check out our brides-to-be SparkTeams as well because these women know exactly what you're going through.

7. Limit alcohol. It lowers inhibitions, making it more likely that you'll forget about your nutrition plan and overindulge. Plus, alcohol alone is pretty high in calories. If you can relax and de-stress without drinking at all, you'll be better off. If you must drink, nurse your glass slowly, choose diet-friendly drinks, and limit the number of servings. Oh and yes, alcohol does contain calories, so add every drink to your Nutrition Tracker.

8. Pick healthy venues for pre-wedding festivities. There will be showers, parties, and outings galore as your wedding gets closer. If you have any say in how these happen, pick a healthful restaurant where you know you can get a good, nutritious meal without going overboard. Need help? Refer to our Dining Out Guide for the healthiest choices at just about any chain restaurant. Focus on your friends and family while you're there, enjoying the good conversation and activities instead of hovering around the appetizers. Create lasting memories that don't revolve around eating, and you won't feel like you're missing out.
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About The Author

Nicole Nichols
Nicole was named "America's Top Personal Trainer to Watch" in 2011. A certified personal trainer and fitness instructor with a bachelor's degree in health education, she loves living a healthy and fit lifestyle and helping others do the same. Check out her workout DVDs and read her blog posts.

Member Comments

Such great advice! I have very similar stuff on my newsletter. I'm a wedding planner who has studied Nutrition and Fitness. My newsletter incorporates advice for Brides to be on Wedding Planning, Fitness, Health, Weight Loss and Wellbeing. www.weddingweightlossacademy.com
- 2/25/2015 9:59:01 PM

I found a great site to help me, they gave me nutrition advice and helped me understand how to make a lifetime change instead of just a temporary weight loss and then double the weight gain. I have lost weight before but managed to put double on later. Their team helped me set up goals and checked in every week with my progress. I have managed to keep the weight off and the program was easy and informative. The website is www.naturallyhealthyandsexy.com for anyone that needs help!
- 12/15/2014 8:57:56 PM

I tried detoxing at home, going to gym etc., it all kind of worked for me but to be honest seemed like a lot of work (along with everything else I had to do) and slow results. My friend told me about a nine day cleansing plan that arrives through the post with everything you need (you get a personal trainer too who helps you along). I found it really good. I got mine from www ninedaycleanse dot co (co not com). More energy, better skin, and ten pounds lost in just over a week. Only wish i could post the photos!

Loved my wedding day and felt wonderful in my dress. Wish I could do it all over again.
- 11/14/2014 2:20:03 PM

I am tell you how to lose weight for a wedding, thanks to my nutritionist. I learned that women pass 25 have an increase in inflammation related body fat which causes fat to stay on the body. Most diets are not going to remove body fat only water weight.

Turn to science: When researchers combined certain foods to lower inflammation body fat , the body fat came right off, this is the best and fastest way to lose weight for a wedding. It works

I especially like the the tip about asking yourself if something will help you achieve your goal. The other night, I wanted to eat these buffalo wing flavored pretzels--the whole bag, which has 3.5 servings--but I eventually told myself to remember what I'm losing weight for (my wedding!) and measured out a 1/3 cup serving. Booyah!
- 5/11/2014 10:58:37 AM

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